Save A whimsical ladybug-themed picnic platter featuring vibrant vegetables, creamy dips, and playful presentation—perfect for delighting kids and adults alike.
This recipe brings fun and flavor to any picnic, making it a favorite among family and friends.
Ingredients
- Base & Dips: 1 large round wheel of soft cheese (Brie or Camembert about 250 g), 100 g hummus, 100 g tzatziki
- Vegetables & Decoration: 1 large red bell pepper, 1 handful cherry tomatoes, 1 small cucumber, 1 black olive (pitted), 1 small bunch of fresh chives, 1 carrot, 1 handful black grapes or olives (for spots)
- Accompaniments: 1 baguette sliced, 100 g whole-grain crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the Ladybug Body:
- Place the round cheese wheel in the center of a large board as the ladybugs body.
- Create the Ladybug Wings:
- Slice the red bell pepper in half remove seeds and cut into two large curved pieces. Position them on top of the cheese to mimic wings slightly parted.
- Make the Head:
- Slice a thick round from the cucumber and place at the top of the cheese wheel. Add a black olive on top as the nose.
- Add Spots:
- Use black grapes or olives cut into halves and place them on the bell pepper wings to create spots.
- Assemble the Face:
- Use small pieces of olive for eyes and chive stems for antennae inserting them into the cucumber slice.
- Decorate with Vegetables:
- Arrange cherry tomatoes carrot sticks and cucumber slices around the cheese to resemble grass and flowers.
- Serve with Dips:
- Place bowls of hummus and tzatziki on the board.
- Add Bread and Crackers:
- Arrange sliced baguette and crackers at the edges of the board for dipping and spreading.
- Optional:
- Sprinkle fresh chives and edible flowers for color and garnish.
Save This platter always brings smiles and lively conversation to our family gatherings outdoors.
Required Tools
Large serving board or platter, small bowls for dips, sharp knife, cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cheese) wheat (baguette crackers) sesame (hummus) May contain gluten—use gluten-free bread and crackers if necessary
Nutritional Information
Calories: 230 Total Fat: 11 g Carbohydrates: 22 g Protein: 9 g per serving
Save This fun and easy recipe adds a creative touch to any picnic or gathering.
Recipe Questions
- → What cheese works best for the ladybug body?
Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert are ideal for creating a smooth, round base that resembles the ladybug’s body.
- → How do I create the ladybug’s wings?
Slice a red bell pepper in half, remove seeds, and position the pieces on the cheese wheel to mimic the wings.
- → What can I use for the ladybug’s spots?
Halved black grapes or pitted olives can be arranged on the wings to form the characteristic spots.
- → Are there suitable alternatives for a vegan version?
Yes, plant-based cheeses and dairy-free dips can replace the traditional cheese and yogurts used here.
- → What accompaniments pair well with this platter?
Sliced baguette and whole-grain crackers provide great texture and are ideal for dipping into the creamy spreads.
- → Can this dish accommodate dietary restrictions?
It suits vegetarian and gluten-free diets if gluten-free bread and crackers are used; always check allergen labels carefully.